Richt restructures part of Bulldogs' coaching staff
Bryan McClendon tried to hold himself together when Georgia coach Mark Richt told him of his plans this week to promote him from graduate assistant to running backs coach as part of a restructuring of his offensive staff.

Victim warned not to testify
A man who got robbed last month during a home invasion in East Athens told police that someone Thursday threatened to kill him if he testifies in court, Athens-Clarke police said.

Student's scooter taken at apartments
A University of Georgia student realized Tuesday afternoon that someone stole his scooter valued at $1,500 from outside his home at Laurel Oaks Apartments in the 100 block of Royale Road, Athens-Clarke police said.

Scooters taken from Five Points
Thieves stole two motor scooters with a total value of $3,700 from a parking lot in the 100 block of Northview Drive between 12:30 and 9 a.m. Thursday, Athens-Clarke police said.

Toccoa-area crash leaves four injured
A 70-year-old Demorest woman went to the hospital with serious injuries and three other people were hurt Thursday when two cars collided at a traffic light on the Toccoa Bypass.

Richt restructures part of Bulldogs' coaching staff
Bryan McClendon tried to hold himself together when Georgia coach Mark Richt told him of his plans this week to promote him from graduate assistant to running backs coach as part of a restructuring of his offensive staff.

Richt mixes up coaching staff
Bryan McClendon tried to hold himself together when Georgia coach Mark Richt told him of his plans this week to promote him from graduate assistant to running backs coach as part of a restructuring of his offensive staff.

Meyer's diamond disaster
MIAMI - Ask Urban Meyer about his days in baseball and his eyes narrow, any trace of a smile disappears.

Gators hold off Sooners to claim BCS title
MIAMI - The game defied expectations. Tim Tebow fulfilled them. He rescued No. 1 Florida, running through and throwing over No. 2 Oklahoma for a 24-14 victory Thursday night that gave the Gators their second BCS championship in three years.

'Beanie' Wells to enter draft
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells is giving up his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Coffee to skip senior season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama running back Glen Coffee will try to capitalize on a breakout year by skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Suzanne Yoculan: The Last Hurrah
As her career as the most successful college gymnastics coach comes to a close, the Athens Banner-Herald takes a look back, and forward, at Georgia gymnastics coach Suzanne Yoculan.

Perfect ending in sight
Her magical story begins with a once upon a time and could very well end with a happily ever after. But Suzanne Yoculan doesn't believe in fairy tales.

Iannone: The best college coach in the nation
There are still a few sentences that resonate with Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan, even nearly three decades later. "You'll never do anything at Georgia. There's no support there."

Change in approach works out for best
For more than 25 years, Suzanne Yoculan has been the face of the Georgia gymnastics program. Just four years into her reign at Georgia, she captured the program's first national title. This year, the preseason No. 1 Gym Dogs are poised to win a 10th NCAA Championship.

The coach foes love to hate
Before Courtney Kupets met Suzanne Yoculan, she heard a thing or two about the legendary coach. And it wasn't good. "I was told, 'She's mean. She's scary. She's not nice,'" Kupets said.

Quotables
"She has such a commanding presence because of her record and because of what she's been able to accomplish. I think that you can't replace that. Her presence is the presence of a winner, of someone that pushes for excellence, of a great motivator. That presence will be missed. She's put the program in such a great place that it sets up well for Jay (Clark). She cannot be replaced just like any other legendary coach in any sport."

Each title remembered for different reasons
Not many coaches can say they have multiple national titles bolstering their resumes. Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan is one of the elite, having won nine NCAA Championships in her 25-year tenure. While the results may have been the same, no two were alike.

Clark's time to shine
When Jay Clark enrolled at the University of Georgia in 1986, he had no idea that in 20 years time he'd be walking - without stilettos - in the footsteps of legendary Gym Dogs coach Suzanne Yoculan.

Speeches motivate team to higher level
Suzanne Yoculan can remember it like it was yesterday. She stood on top of a table in Georgia's locker room and gave what she recalls as her first big motivational speech.

Kathy Rohs: Thanks to coach staying at UGA
Especially in this time of economic difficulty, one could not have faulted University of Georgia football defensive line coach Rodney Garner if he'd decided to leave UGA for the University of Tennessee, where he would've received a substantial pay increase (Story, "Garner stays put at Georgia," Tuesday).

Jeffrey E. Moss: Free market is the solution
It seems like every day we read or hear about another government solution to our nation's economic woes. In my opinion, many of our economic woes actually have been caused, either directly or indirectly, by government. What we need is a private enterprise or free-market solution.

Royce Savage: There's a place for anonymity
I certainly know of the downsides of anonymous opinions since I once taught a few classes at the University of Georgia, where a career can depend on the anonymous opinions of immature or ignorant students - unless things have changed since I was there.

David E. Hudson: Remembering a legal giant
In the spring of 1972, the plaintiffs in Acree v. Richmond County Board of Education petitioned the federal court to find the school board in contempt for not complying with the desegregation orders of District Judge Alexander Lawrence. The contempt motion was assigned to U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Griffin B. Bell.

They believe in the future
The Athens Area Human Relations Council has given more than 300 scholarships to high school students since the organization formed in 1979.

A storyteller's happy ending
Stories fall out of Carmen Agra Deedy like coins pouring out of a winning slot machine. Ask her a basic question - the name of the illustrator who worked with her on her latest children's book - and she'll start setting a scene.

Hax: Tell friend she's heading for disaster
Dear Carolyn: I have a friend who I worry is drifting toward an affair. She's very flirty with a co-worker and talks about him in a crush-y way, while she and her husband seem to be going through a rough patch. The rough patch seems symptomatic of external stresses in their lives, not fundamental incompatibility.

Rossiter: Treasured cello has seen the world
There's only one key to the door that locks David Starkweather's office. Situated at the end of a long hall at the University of Georgia's Hodgson School of Music, the room houses what has to be one of the great loves of the professor's life.

Gerson: Connections to home behind good leadership
We are right on the threshold of that great quadrennial American event in Washington: a presidential inauguration. Reflecting the great polarity in our country right now, even before the ceremony there has been controversy - about who should be invited, what precise name the president-elect should use and especially the choice of the clergyman delivering the opening prayer.

'Kooza' thrills in Atlanta
One thing can be said about the integrity and artistry of Cirque du Soleil shows - you're seriously hard-pressed to find a more exhilarating live performance of any kind on stage. Cirque's latest show to make a stop in Atlanta, "Kooza," opened earlier this month at Atlantic Station and continues through March 1, and it's an easy trip from Athens, straight down 85 to the 17th Street exit.

Mini movie reviews
OPENING TODAY: Bride Wars - Two best friends (Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson) are helping each other plan their respective weddings, until a scheduling snafu turns them into rivals, each competing to outdo the other's ceremony.

Today's Best Bets
Pius Cheung - Pius Cheung is an award-winning marimbist and a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan.

Welcome to Washington, Mr. Bauer
WASHINGTON - Early one cold November morning, actress Annie Wersching leads Kiefer Sutherland to an "armored" SUV with dark windows parked outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture building.

Today's Best Bets
Graphic Novel Workshop, Part 1 - The first part of this workshop, "The Basics: Developing the Theme and Story," focuses on narration, drawing, perspective, character design and development.

Dogs blow lead, fall to Vols
Georgia started its conference season much like it ended its non-league schedule by failing to hold on to a second-half lead.

Dogs guards working to replace former star
Trying to fill the shoes of perhaps the most versatile player to ever wear red and black is a bit like running a 100-meter dash while wearing your father's work boots, complete with stumbles and blisters.

Illinois House impeaches Gov. Rod Blagojevich
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly today to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, an unprecedented action that sets up a Senate trial on whether he should be thrown out for abuse of power, including allegations that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat.

Northwest flooding closes roads, stalls commerce
CENTRALIA, Wash. - Floods, mudslides and avalanches in the Pacific Northwest kept tens of thousands of people from their homes Thursday, brought freight trains to a standstill and stranded hundreds of trucks along the major highways that link Seattle’s busy ports with markets around the country.

Obama: Congress must act boldly and now on economy
WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama implored Congress on Thursday to “act boldly and act now” to fix an economy growing perilously weaker. Leading lawmakers set an informal goal of mid-February for enacting tax cuts and government spending that could cost as much as $1 trillion.

Convicted killer jailed for life
An Athens man likely will spend the rest of his life in prison for beating his wife to death with a tree branch 15 months ago. A Clarke County Superior Court jury took a little more than an hour to convict 45-year-old Bobby Leroy Brown of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.

Man charged in mail thefts
A man from an upscale neighborhood in Southeastern Clarke County faces charges he raided neighbors' mailboxes looking for cash, gift cards and other mailed Christmas presents.

State posts results of gas-price probes
So many people called to ask about gasoline price-gouging investigations that the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs began posting the findings on its Web site as investigators complete each case.

Hard times may close popular Oglethorpe store
HUTCHINS - It's a long, lonely 20 miles from Union Point to Crawford, with few places along the way to stop for gas or a bathroom break - much less a hot breakfast biscuit. But as lonely as that stretch of Georgia Highway 77 is, it will get a little lonelier after this weekend.

Waiver opens way for larger classes
Georgia public schools will be allowed to assign more students per class next year under a cost-saving measure the state Board of Education approved Thursday.

Broun aide's firm to court GOP
One of U.S. Rep. Paul Broun's closest advisers is starting a consulting firm to bring religious conservatives back to political prominence and elect the first black Republican to statewide office in Georgia.

Salloum to build new middle school
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education has hired Salloum Construction of Athens to build a new $14.5 million middle school across from the school district's primary and elementary schools on Georgia Highway 22.

Second assessor quits tax board
Madison County commissioners are looking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Assessors after two members quit in less than one week.

December taxes take a big dive
ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers got a bleak financial report card Friday just days before the start of their legislative session next week.

Colleagues recall Bell's career
ATLANTA - Weeks before his death, a friend asked Griffin Bell which of his accomplishments he most treasured: his record as on the federal bench during the civil rights era, his tenure as the nation's top lawyer, or his status as the dean of Georgia's attorneys.

Deaths in the news: Wallace, Holdridge
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Former Alabama first lady Cornelia Wallace, who threw herself over Gov. George C. Wallace when he was shot in a 1972 assassination attempt, has died in Sebring, Fla. Wallace's cousin, Melissa Boyen, said the former first lady died Thursday from cancer at age 69.

Bush: Most consequential leader since Reagan
The left and the media and the ever-expanding blogosphere, and of course the Democrats, never permitted President Bush to recover from the circumstances of his 2000 election. They deemed him unacceptable, accidental, illegitimate, likely a conniver in the national outcome - and so took to lobbing their hateful commentaries one after another without end.

Editorial: Transportation planning makes economic sense
According to a study commissioned by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and released late last year, this state stands to lose an opportunity to attract as many as 320,000 jobs during the next 20 years, and as much as $515 billion in economic benefits during the next 30 years, unless there are significant changes in the way transportation issues are addressed.

Don't squander worldwide feeling of hope for America
Barack Obama not only won a decisive electoral victory at the polls across America on Nov. 4, he also generated rousing approval across the globe. From Latin America to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East - everywhere, it seemed - jubilant banner newspaper headlines, dancing in the streets and tears of joy reflected a fresh surge of goodwill toward the new president and the United States.

Dragons favored at Duals
The seedings had not been finalized as of Thursday, but it is clear which team will have the most eyes on it at this weekend's Area 8-AA Duals Championships.

Cedar Shoals outlast Raiders
Cedar Shoals experienced first-hand the point of all the extra conditioning its coach makes them go through. The Lady Jaguars outlasted Region 8A-AAAA favorite Madison County at home on Friday, topping the Lady Raiders 61-53 in overtime.

Roundup: Shamp's season high leads Spartans
HIAWASSE - Athens Academy's Scoop Shamp scored a season-high 25 points Tuesday as the Spartans rode a hot second half to take a 70-44 Region win over Towns County to remain undefeated in Region 8-A.

Local rivalry on the Web
A radio broadcast of today's boys and girls basketball games between Oconee County and North Oconee in Bogart can be accessed by visiting www.oconee.k12.ga.us/nohs.

Big, colorful flowers aren't that hard to grow
If you're a first time homeowner, listen up. If you think you can't grow fabulous flowers, read on. If past failures have made you throw your hands up and retreat from gardening in general, get ready to rumble. There's a secret to great big bold flowers.

150-year-old home with daylight apartment!
Located on the edge of downtown and only three blocks from The University of Georgia, this 150-year-old home on Finley Street is the perfect fit for buyers seeking an authentic Athens experience.

1520 Cleveland Road
Homeowners wanting a woodland retreat loaded with amenities and only minutes from shopping and dining in Athens must see this custom-built Lindal cedar home beautifully situated on 19 acres.

44 Glenn Court
Families looking for spacious and comfortable living on a kid-friendly cul-de-sac lot will love this 2,500-square-foot home in Madison County's Hidden Falls neighborhood.

855 Parkview Drive
Buyers looking for an authentic Victorian home with artisan appeal will love this Queen Anne-style estate privately located on 5.5 scenic acres.

Winfield Chase Condominiums
Winfield Chase, an affordable place to call home and a great opportunity for a winning investment, is one of Athens' most successful developments in recent years.

1151 Oconee Crossing Circle
Buyers looking for spacious living in an upscale Oconee County swimming community will love this immaculate home in Oconee Crossing.

Blackmon Shoals "Your Hometown Village"
Priced from the $160's, the homes at Blackmon Shoals represent a buyer's best value in quality construction with a premium location. Buyer's incentives on seven available homes mean even more for your money.

No-maintenance living in Oconee County
Oconee County's serene Triple Creek neighborhood features the best in beautifully finished patio homes. Beautiful brick and hardiplank exteriors partnered with full landscaping services make Triple Creek the low-maintenance living option that you've been looking for.

1100 Rowan Oak Circle
For exceptional value in luxury living, look no further than this five-bedroom beauty located in the exclusive Rowan Oak swim/tennis community.

Hannah Heights
In the heart of the fastest growing area of Madison County is the area's newest subdivision, Hannah Heights. Drive out and take a look at these new "Everything Included" Craftsman-style homes.

1312 Hedgerow Lane
Buyers seeking exceptional value on new construction in Oconee County must see the Village Homes at Meadow Springs.

Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Sponsors Toy Drive
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) is holding a Toy Drive through December 16, 2008 to benefit Toys For Tots. The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® has supported the Toys for Tots Program for many years.

Matt Thomas & Atlas Sponsor Holiday Food/Toy Drive
Matt Thomas, principal and licensed Realtor with Atlas Real Estate Advisors, is hosting a food/toy drive and pics with Santa at his holiday open house on Sunday December 14th from noon until 5pm at MadiSun Park Subdivision in Danielsville, GA.

LISTING CORRECTION
Jane Greenway’s cover story for 1312 Hedgerow Lane, which ran in the December 21 edition of HomeFront, contained incorrect photos of the property.

Who Are the Seniors Real Estate Specialists®?
Elizabeth Thurmond has successfully completed the education program and has received the Seniors Real Estate Specialists® designation. SRES® are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.

PRICE CORRECTION
Susan Mosley's 1311 Victoria Road listing was incorrectly priced in the December 14th edition of HomeFront, located on page 12. The correct price is $289,900. We apologize for this misprint.

Athens Area Homeless Shelter 5th Annual Harvest for the Homeless
The Athens Area Homeless Shelter will hold its Fifth Annual Harvest for the Homeless tonight, Sunday November 23, 2008, at the Foundry Park Inn Ballroom from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. The evening's events include a Silent Auction, an Acoustic performance by The Modern Skirts, Hors d'oeuvres, Cash Bar and our Grand Prize drawing for 52 gift certificates to local restaurants!

Cindy Karp Realty Agents Attend GRI-1
Cindy Karp, the Broker of Cindy Karp Realty is proud to announce that John Morrison , Associate Broker and Jason Clemmons both completed GRI-1.Having earned that designation herself many years ago, she understands the importance of this program and actively supports the completion of this designation.

Magic flurry routs Hawks
ORLANDO, Fla. - Hedo Turkoglu hit all five 3-point attempts and scored 21 points, and the Orlando Magic raced to a 38-point halftime lead in a 121-87 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

Browns bring out Mangini
BEREA, Ohio - Introduced for the first time as Cleveland's coach, Eric Mangini stepped to the podium and his football life flashed before him. This is where it all began.

Defensive backs on high alert
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - They take up three of the four receiver spots on the NFC Pro Bowl squad. Another is having a breakout year and a fifth is one of the league's top blockers at the position.

Titans' Collins gets second shot
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The answer is no. Kerry Collins has not watched the 2001 Super Bowl in a long time. Really, there's no reason for the quarterback to relive the most miserable 60 minutes on a football field at the worst possible time.

All-pro team features first-timers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A changing of the guard - and tackles and running backs and receivers - saw 15 first-timers make The Associated Press 2008 NFL All-Pro team announced Friday.

Braves to greet fans, sign autographs at Academy
Atlanta Braves players, coaches, broadcasters, and team executives will meet fans and sign autographs in five cities around the Southeast as apart of the Atlanta Braves Community Caravan, gearing fans up for the upcoming season.

Ogilvy clings to Mercedes Championship lead
KAPALUA, Hawaii - Geoff Ogilvy three-putted his last two holes, which ended his impressive streak without a bogey, but didn't cost him the lead in the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Ogilvy opens with surprising 67, takes lead
KAPALUA, Hawaii - Geoff Ogilvy opened the PGA Tour season Thursday without making bogey on his way to a 6-under 67 and a one-shot lead in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, a score that only surprised him because of the location.